ON BEING A SCOT
Is it true what they say about pixies, the little people, and a host of such
special characters in Irish writings and lore? Well, “yes” and “no.” Facts are
difficult to come by on such subjects.
What about tartans, kilts, and other articles considered to
be natural with the Scot? There is now a fine book available which provides
trustworthy information about these items.
I have always felt these ideas to be too neatly ordered and codified -
overly-documented, if you will, to be “authentic” at all times, and I have
recently met with this remarkable book which set my mind at rest on many
questionable pieces of Celtic lore.
Arthur Herman in his excellent book which is modestly titled: “How The
Scots Invented the Modern World” with a subtitle: ”The True Story of How
Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything
In It. ” ...answers many questions.
What about the wearing of kilts?
Yes, the Scot Highlander had long worn skirt-like garments which was
not at all unusual expect that others worn long robes or tight breeches and
the active Scot living in a country of rugged terrain, liked to have his limbs
free and unencumbered with robes or pantaloons for quick defense
response and for attack. The kilt is a very practical garment. At one time,
when the British tried to forbid the wearing of kilts by Scottish troops, among
the communicaions of disapproval arriving at the Ministry of Defense office,
in London, was a scathing letter in which the author - a military man
speaking bluntly and passionately - pointed out, among other advantages,
that the kilts were easier washed because all that was needed was for the
order to be given to walk the troops through waist high and the flapping of
the skirt would dry the fabric out as they continued the march on dry land.
If the troop was encamped the soldier could wash his kilt, his body and legs
and be ready to move out speedily. That short, shoulder strapped combat
kilt was called the feileadh-beag. There were more formal, longer kilts for
social functions and show, but the warring Scot worn them short and the
fabric used was the common cloth of the realm in those days called woven
in tartan designs.
We have been often deluded with regard to those tartan patterns, as
well. It is quite possible that highlander in a certain clan area might be
wearing kilts of the same plaid design. Many sets of kilts could be fashioned
out of a single bolt of fine wool materials and, since weaving was a local
affair, each area tended to do a certain pattern and seldom tried anything
different.
Wilson’s of Brannockburn, wool manufactures, took orders for tartans,
and before long they offered “setts” of tartans in groups named after
various clans or families. The real mark of identify for the clans was worn on
the hat or arm, a spring of juniper identified the MacLeod; that of heather
marked the MacIntyre. The army started the practice of tartan
classification. The celebrated Black Watch was the first unit to do so in 1739
when they selected a somber blue, green and black plaid. The more formal
kilt consisted of twelve yards of pleated material belted around the waist.
And, comments writer Herman ,“the louder the better.”
This important book about the Scots by Arthur Herman is, I would say,
required reading for everyone with Scottish ancestry. The claims he makes
become more and more acceptable as one reads. It made me proud to
have a Scottish background. In covers not only the good things about
Scottish history but also the less admirable occurrences. My particular family
came into The Minch area around 1050 A. D. from Norway, and when I read
detailed portions of unpleasant things, I’m glad to have an “out” and can
think of my family as sojourners merely passing through Scotland for several
centuries on our way to America in the 1730’s.
A.L.M. July 6, 2002 [c679wds]
